Groundwater prohibition area proposed at Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is proposing to establish a groundwater prohibition area in parts of Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island.

It follows assessment of groundwater quality in the area that found it has been contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, including benzene.

Petroleum hydrocarbons are a group of chemicals typically found in fuels such as kerosene, petrol, diesel and motor oil.

If groundwater is affected or threatened by site contamination and action is needed to prevent actual or potential harm to human health or safety as a result of the taking of that water, the EPA has the ability under the Environment Protection Act 1993 to establish a GPA.

A GPA is necessary to prevent the potential exposure and spread of contaminated groundwater in parts of Penneshaw.

The EPA is proposing to prohibit the taking of groundwater to a depth of 30 metres below the ground.

EPA's Director of Policy, Assessment and Finance Kathryn Bellette said rainwater and mains water are not affected by the groundwater contamination and can be used.

“The geological environment at Penneshaw is complex,” Ms Bellette said.

“The prohibition is informed by work conducted last year including analysis of samples from on existing monitoring wells near the cove, and drilling, sampling and analysis of a series of new soil vapour and groundwater wells.

“The findings of the assessment indicate that groundwater is contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and will remain so for the foreseeable future.”

There are approximately 50 property titles in the GPA, of which less than 50 per cent are residential.

The EPA will continue working with the Kangaroo Island Council on the management of this issue.

For further information please visit https://engage.epa.sa.gov.au/penneshaw-groundwater-prohibition-area